How to Save Money if You Live with a Disability in the UK

Hi, I’m Georgina, founder of Purpl Disabled Discounts. As someone passionate about helping the disabled community, I understand how daunting it can be to navigate the financial challenges that come with living with a disability. From managing day-to-day costs to finding support and resources, there’s so much to juggle. There is plenty of free stuff for disabled adults in the UK. It’s just knowing where to look. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you save money and access the support you deserve.

We already know that living with a disability can come with extra costs, but there are countless opportunities to save money, access free resources, and benefit from the UK’s support systems. From PIP discounts to Blue Badge discounts and disability discount cards, here’s everything you need to know to maximise your savings and find the best discounts for disabled adults.

Georgina in her garden sat on a chair with her yellow labrador posing next to her.

How to Save Money if You’re Disabled
Understanding Consumer Rights for Disabled Individuals
Financial Advice for Disabled Individuals
Exploring Disability Discounts in the UK
Benefits Available for Disabled Individual
VAT Exemptions for Disabled People
Accessible Banking Services for Disabled Customers
Understanding Disabled Facilities Grants
Warm Home Discount Scheme Eligibility
Car Tax Savings for Disabled People
Everything You Need to Know About the Motability Scheme

1. How to Save Money if You’re Disabled

Saving money isn’t always about big changes, sometimes it’s the little things that add up. Here are some everyday strategies that can help reduce costs.

Practical Tips for Everyday Savings for Disabled People

Energy Bills: If you rely on extra heating or power due to your condition, speak to your energy supplier. Some offer disability-friendly tariffs or free energy-saving devices for disabled people. Or you could switch to someone like Utility Warehouse (UW) and combine your utilities into one monthly payment to reduce costs. Plus the UW cash-back card means every time you use it to pay for items you are reducing your monthly bill.

You can sign up for UW through Purpl, please note that whilst utility companies can’t give discounts by going through Purpl you will help us support our growth and ability to give back to the disabled community.

Public Transport: You can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard to save up to one-third on train fares. Local councils often provide free or reduced bus passes known as a disabled person’s bus pass. Each council has its own rules around this, so you will need to find out for your own county. Please visit the Government website which will provide you with more information and the ability to find your local council through their search function.

Shop Savvy: Sign up to Purpl disabled discounts and keep an eye out for your favourite retailers offering discounts as well as discovering a range of discounts for disabled people on mobility aids, adaptive tech, or even clothing tailored for disabled individuals. Our website is still new and we are working hard to get you more and more exclusive discounts. If you haven’t signed up yet Purpl it is a great way to get discounts you can use your disability benefit letters, blue badge or one of our other accepted documents to gain access to our discounts and offers.

You can use the Utility Warehouse cash-back card with our Purpl disabled discount offers and save even more money
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

Charities: Organisations like Scope and Disability Rights UK are fantastic for offering advice, funding for essential equipment, and support with accessing benefits. Purpl is working hard to ensure we have the right content to direct you to these types of organisations so you can get extra support.

When you spend money through using Purpl discount codes you are actually helping us to give back to Disabled Charities in the UK.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

Even though it’s early days for Purpl, we are delighted that our first charity partner is Spinal Injuries Association, you can read our article about how we are working with them to help our disabled community.

Local Services: Many councils offer subsidised leisure activities, like gym memberships or swimming sessions, which can boost both health and happiness. Just do a search for your local area or call your local Citizens Advice centre and they can direct you to local places that will offer you either a disabled discount or a free carer’s place.

2. Understanding Consumer Rights for Disabled Individuals

Knowing your rights as a consumer can save you money and prevent unfair treatment. The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled individuals in the UK, ensuring equal access to services, goods, and facilities. We know that accessibility isn’t always as it should be and it can be extremely frustrating, so make sure you give feedback so that businesses can learn and adapt.

Your Rights as a Disabled Consumer

Reasonable Adjustments: Businesses must make adjustments like ramps or accessible formats to accommodate disabled customers.
Avoiding Overcharges: If you’re charged extra because a service isn’t accessible, you can challenge it.

Standing Up for Your Rights

If you experience discrimination, document the incident and contact organisations like the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) for advice. Knowing you have the law on your side can be empowering!

3. Financial Advice for Disabled Individuals

Getting on top of your finances is key to building independence and security. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your money:

Budgeting and Benefits

Use tools like budgeting apps to track spending and identify where you can save. Purpl have recently partnered with Emma App, the perfect tool to help you with budgeting. Our Purpl disabled discount means you can get a 30 day free trial and then 30% off your plan if you decide it will be beneficial to your life.
Check that you’re receiving all the disability benefits you’re entitled to, like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you have disabled children under the age of 16. There are other benefits like Employment Support Allowance (ESA) for those who can’t work due to their disability or can only work reduced hours. If you are still struggling financially you can also apply for Universal Credit. You can use the Government benefits calculator to see which benefits you may be entitled to receive.

You can work and claim PIP disability benefit. Personal Independence Payment has nothing to do with income, it is money to help reduce the financial burden of living with a disability.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

Professional Support

There are financial advisors who specialise in working with disabled people. They can help you plan for the future, whether it’s saving for a big purchase or understanding your benefit entitlements. Organisations like Turn2us offer free resources to help you get started.

4. Exploring Disability Discounts in the UK

At Purpl, we’re all about helping you find and make the most of discounts. I really want to help my community save money and make a real difference to their day to day life, these discounts for disabled people aren’t always easy to find. Below are some great discounts that you can access, we didn’t ask to be disabled, so let’s face it there has to be some perks to make things a little easier for us.

Man holding a pink piggy bank, symbolising saving money with effective budgeting.

Travel Discounts for Disabled People

Travel by Train: disabled people can get a third off train fares for you and another person with the Disabled Persons Railcard
Travel by Bus: disabled people can get free or discounted bus travel with a disabled person’s bus pass, these are different for each country. It is also managed by each local council so you will need to find out what the requirements are for obtaining one in your area.
- How to get a disabled person bus pass for England – click here to apply for a disabled bus pass for England
- How to get a disabled person bus pass for Scotland – click here to apply for a disabled bus pass for Scotland
- How to get a disabled person bus pass for Wales – click here to apply for a disabled bus pass for Wales
- How to get a disabled person bus pass for Northern Ireland – click here to apply for a disabled bus pass for Northern Ireland
Travel by Ferry: some ferry companies will offer discounts for disabled people
- Wight Link Ferries – offer blue badge discounts and disabled bus pass discounts check their website for more details
- Red Funnel Ferries – offer 25% off for disabled people, check their website for more details
Travel in London: disabled people may be entitled to free travel if they live in London with a Freedom Pass
Toll Charges: you may be entitled to discounted toll charges for some places, you can check via the Government website
Some taxi firms offer accessible services, and some councils even subsidise fares. If you are based in London you may be entitled to a Taxicard to help get you out and about.

Leisure and Entertainment Disability Discounts

Cinema – many cinemas like Vue, Cineworld and Odeon offer free tickets for carers. You can purchase a CEA card which enables you to book your free carer seat online or when you buy tickets in person
Days Out – entertainment discounts when you are disabled can help reduce your costs and make it more affordable for you and your family
- National Trust and English Heritage provide free admission for carers and have accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities. Purpl members can save even more with our 25% disabled discount for English Heritage membership.
- Merlin offer free admission for carers with the Access Card but also Purpl members can get exclusive disabled discounts at their attractions. Keep an eye on our days out offer page to find deals with Sea Life, Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor and more.

Check out our Days Out discounts for disabled people and save money on entertainment for you and your family
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

Where to Look for PIP Discounts and Other Discounts for Disabled People in the UK

Websites like ours at Purpl are great for keeping track of new discounts. Bookmark us, and we’ll keep you updated! Ensure you receive our disabled discount weekly roundup email or join our private members group on Facebook to be the first to hear our latest offers.

5. Benefits Available for Disabled Individuals

Benefits can make a massive difference, helping cover the extra costs of living with a disability. Many people don’t realise they can still apply for some benefits even if they are working. It is really important to me that I help our community in every way I can, so bringing you relevant information that can help make life easier for you is part of the benefit of joining Purpl.

What Financial Help is Available for Disabled People?

PIP (Personal Independence Payment): Covers extra costs caused by disability and remember it is not linked to income.
DLA (Disability Living Allowance): DLA is for children with disabilities or health conditions that require additional care or supervision.
ESA (Employment and Support Allowance): Helps if you’re unable to work or can only work reduced hours due to health conditions.
Universal Credit: If you and your family are on a low income, you may get extra support through this.

You can work up to 16 hours a week and earn up to £183.50 per week whilst claiming ESA.
You can also do as many hours of voluntary work as you like.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

How to Apply for Disabled Benefits

Do your research first to check you are eligible to receive the benefit.
Gather supporting evidence, like medical reports, before you start.
Seek help from organisations like Citizens Advice if you’re unsure how to proceed.
Read our guides to help you (we will be adding more soon):
- How to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- How to apply for ESA

6. VAT Exemptions for Disabled People

Did you know you could save on VAT for certain items and services? This is one of the simplest ways to cut costs on big purchases. Even Amazon states you can claim back VAT on medical items you have purchased, however, I have tried and failed so please let me know if you find success with them.

Eligible Items and Services

There is a whole list of products that fit the criteria for VAT exemption so it is worth reviewing the Government website to check whether the item you wish to purchase meets the criteria.

It is typically for products that will help you with your disability and most companies that sell these products will ask you to complete a VAT exemption form. This means they will exclude the VAT cost from your invoice.

Examples of VAT Exemption Products:

Equipment like wheelchairs, stairlifts, and specialised furniture.
Certain building work, like ramps or bathroom adaptations.

How to Claim VAT Exemption

When purchasing, let the seller know you’re eligible for VAT exemption and complete their form. It’s quick and could save you a significant amount! Not every company will ask so best for you to know your rights so you don’t miss out. You can’t claim after the purchase so remember to ask.

Young woman with Down syndrome using a tablet, highlighting accessible financial tools.

7. Accessible Banking Services for Disabled Customers

Managing your money should never feel inaccessible and these days most of us bank online however that doesn’t work for some disabled people who struggle with the internet or accessibility online. Many UK banks offer tailored services to support disabled customers.

Accessibility Options for Banking

Physical Accessibility: Choose banks with step-free branches and hearing loops.
Specialist Services: Talking ATMs, braille statements, and online banking tools designed for accessibility.
Dedicated Support: Banks like Lloyds and Barclays often have teams trained to understand disability-related financial needs.
Named Person: This person can be approved by both you and your bank, to support you with managing your accounts

If you ever feel your bank isn’t meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to speak up or switch to one that will. Nationwide consistently ranks high for accessibility and customer support so worth checking out other options if your bank isn’t right for you.

8. Understanding Disabled Facilities Grants

Making your home more accessible doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). The Grant is available to disabled people who meet the criteria. You will need to provide evidence of your disability. Please note that it is means tested unless you are receiving Universal Credit.

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Effectively they are a grant to help fund adaptations like installing stairlifts, widening doorways, or creating a wet room. These changes can significantly improve your quality of life.

You could get a grant of up to £30,000 to modify or adapt your home to suit your accessibility requirements.
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

How to Apply for a Disabled Grant

Read the Government website first so you understand how it works and whether you are eligible
Contact your local council to request an assessment.
An occupational therapist will visit to determine what you need.
Submit an application, including quotes for the work.

9. Warm Home Discount Scheme Eligibility

I know how difficult it can be to manage your body temperature when living with a disability and for me, my body doesn’t cope well if it’s too cold but also it doesn’t work well if it gets overheated. Therefore layering up doesn’t always work. Energy prices have been soaring for years now and it can be really worrying for many disabled people.

What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

The Warm Homed Discount is a government scheme that offers a one-off discount on electricity bills for low-income or vulnerable households. Please note that eligibility varies between England, Scotland and Wales.

Can I get the Warm Home Discount if I receive PIP?

Receiving PIP or DLA does not automatically qualify you to receive the Warm Home Discount Scheme. If your household has a low income but has high energy costs you may qualify. It is determined by specific means-tested benefits and property characteristics. If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit you will automatically qualify.

Elderly woman counting coins at a table, reflecting pension-saving tips for disabled individuals.

How to Apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Most households who are eligible will receive the discount automatically. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifies individuals who are eligible and notifies them between October and January. The discount is then applied by the end of March.

However, if you live in Scotland and do not receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you need to apply directly to your energy supplier. Applications are typically accepted on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability so if you are eligible apply as soon as you can.

10. Car Tax Savings for Disabled People

When you live with mobility disabilities you often have no choice but to drive to places, like me, I am sure many of us would swap our disability to not get these benefits and be able to walk in a heartbeat. However, the reality is that we do have these challenges and the government put schemes like this in place to help make life a little easier for us.

Who is Entitled to Free Car Tax?

Disabled people who receive the following disability benefits will be able to get full exemption from paying car tax:

Enhanced rate of mobility for PIP
Higher rate of mobility for DLA
Enhanced rate mobility component for Scottish Adult living payment ADP
War pensioners mobility supplement
Armed forced independence payment

How to get Car Tax Reduction on the Standard Rate of PIP or DLA

You may also be eligible for a 50% car tax reduction if you received the standard rate of mobility component.

Applying for Car Tax Exemptions

If you are buying a new car:

For the full car tax exemption – you will need to provide your certificate of entitlement (your PIP or DLA Award letter) to the dealership

For used cars:

For full exemption – visit your local post office that manages vehicle tax with your disability benefit award letter and your vehicle registration certificate. For those in Northern Ireland you will also need to show your car insurance certificate.
For 50% reduction – you will need to complete a V10 form and send it to othe DVLA with your disability award evidence, your vehicle log book (V5C) and a cheque to pay for the 50% due. For those in Northern Ireland you will also need to show your car insurance certificate.

If your child is disabled you can apply for a vehicle tax exemption or reduction as long as the vehicle is used for the child’s personal needs. The vehicle must be registered either in the child’s name or in the name of the parent or guardian who drives it on their behalf.

Important Considerations

The vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver and used solely for the disabled person’s personal needs.
If you change vehicles, you’ll need to reapply for the exemption or reduction.
Blue Badge holders are not automatically entitled to vehicle tax exemptions; eligibility depends on the specific benefits received.

11. Everything You Need to Know About the Motability Scheme

Transport independence is so important, and the Motability Scheme makes it more affordable for disabled people to lease vehicles. There are a wide range of vehicles, I didn’t apply for ages as I thought it was all disabled adapted vehicles but that’s not true. You can choose from a wide range of cars including dealers like Honda and BMW.

If you receive enhanced rate of mobility with PIP or the higher rate of mobility with DLA then you can trade the mobility element of your disability benefit payment for a car which also covers everything except the cost of fuel. Please note: you will lose the mobility component of your PIP payment or your DLA payment. You will also have to pay an upfront payment for some cars on the scheme.

A woman in a wheelchair being assisted into a car, representing mobility and transportation savings.

What is Included with a Motability Car?

The all-inclusive package is designed to simplify mobility for disabled people in the UK, allowing them to enjoy the freedom of driving without the associated stresses of vehicle ownership.

Brand New Vehicle: you can choose from a wide range of cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), scooters, or even powered wheelchairs to suit your needs.
Insurance Coverage: your car will include comprehensive car insurance for up to three named drivers, ensuring flexibility for those who may need assistance with driving. Some cars allow under 21’s to drive as well.
Servicing and Maintenance: regular servicing and maintenance to help keep the car in optimal condition without additional costs.
Breakdown Assistance: you will receive 24/7 breakdown cover from the RAC, giving you peace of mind during any journey.
Annual Road Tax: your Motability car will come with annual road tax so you don’t need to do anything.
Tyre and Windscreen Repair/Replacement: you can get your tyre replaced through Kwik Fit as well as getting any windscreen repairs or replacements.
Adaptations: if you require any vehicle adaptations, most are available at no extra cost which means the car can be modified to your specific requirements.
Mileage Allowance: you will receive a generous mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years for standard cars, and 100,000 miles for WAVs.
MOTs: If you happen to keep the car longer than three years, the cost of MOT tests is covered, ensuring the vehicle meets road safety standards.

How to Apply for a Motability Vehicle?

Check your eligibility (e.g. receiving PIP or DLA mobility components). It only applies to those on the enhanced or higher rates.
Visit the Motability website to explore your options.
Work with a local dealer to complete your application.

Additional Information about Motability

In 2022 the Motability Scheme introduced a New Vehicle Payment (NVP) for Motability customers. This was a one-off £750 payment to help customers the rising costs of new vehicles. It was meant to end on 31st December 2024, however, the deadline has been extended to 3rd January 2025. The scheme is ending because the conditions impacting the high costs have reduced and stabilised. So, it’s your final chance to benefit from the extra £750 which could cover the upfront payment for your Motability vehicle.

Save £750 on the cost of a new vehicle with Motability if you order by 3rd January 2025
Georgina’s Top Disability Savings Tips

Let’s Make Saving Easier

I started Purpl because I know how overwhelming it can feel to stretch a budget while navigating the extra costs of living with a disability. My goal is to make saving simpler by connecting you with discounts, resources, and practical advice tailored to help you and your family.

There’s so much out there to help you, from benefits and grants to discounts and exemptions. Take the time to explore your options, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Follow me on Tiktok where I post regular money saving tips for disabled people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Free Car Tax if My Child is Disabled?

Yes, as long as they receive DLA with the higher rate of mobility. The nominated parent must be the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle must be used to drive the child to and from places.

Can I Work and Still Receive Personal Independence Payments?

Yes, Personal Independence Payments have nothing to do with whether you work and the process doesn’t involve means testing.

Do I Have to Pay Back the Disabled Grant for Home Improvements?

If your grant is less than £5,000 there is normally no repayment required. For grants over £5000 your council may impose a condition that if you sell or transfer ownership of the property within 10 years then you may have to pay back the grant. There is a cap so you won’t have to pay back more than £10,000.

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